The Australian of The Year Awards 2016: Winning at Life with Diabetes

Have you lived with diabetes for very long, or had someone you love diagnosed with it? That alone is a reason to give you a medal. Living with diabetes certainly deserves a medal, and the thing is that most people who don’t live with diabetes don’t know that. Many people think it is a simple disease and you can very easily sort it. Some even thing it is your fault you have it, when it is never anyone’s fault- don’t ever let anyone make you think that. And diabetes is not a “sexy” cause, it doesn’t tend to draw sympathy from the general public. But you and I know how hard it can be. We do it alone and we do it tough.

So firstly today, congratulations to all of YOU out there.

I am writing today in a year that has been nothing short of amazing, because I have another exciting announcement – the finalists for the South Australian 2016 Australian of the year have been announced and, I am one!! I didn’t even know I was nominated until I got a call a few weeks ago to say I was shortlisted in the top 4 for the Local Hero category in South Australia, out of 8,500 nominations! At the time I was waiting to hear about the Telstra Business Women’s Awards state winners, so all in all it has been a crazy few months.
I am very very humbled to be among the following list. I am so excited that I am a finalist and am honoured to be considered amongst this great group of South Australians.

We now wait to enjoy the finals cermony when South Australia’s Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero Award recipients will be announced on Wednesday 11 November at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The South Australian Award recipients will then join recipients from all other States and Territories as finalists for the national Awards, which will be held in Canberra on 25 January 2016. It is a group of amazing people, and just being part of it, as with the Telstra Awards, is a real pat on the back for all the work I have done over the past 15 years, and the dedicated team of family, friends and volunteers who have been there all the way.

National Australia Day Council CEO, Mr Jeremy Lasek, said the South Australian finalists are among more than 120 great Australians being recognised as State and Territory finalists in the Australian of the Year Awards.

“The South Australian finalists reflect the great diversity of talents the people of this State have and we can all inspired by the dedication they all have to create positive change in society,” said Mr Lasek.

The Commonwealth Bank has been a proud sponsor of the Australian of the Year Awards for more than 36 years.

“The Australian of the Year Awards recognise people in our community for their remarkable contributions and achievements. We believe it is important to say thank you to people who make a positive difference, and inspire others to do the same,” said Mr Ian Narev, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Bank.

Here is how they have described me.

Helen Edwards – Diabetes innovator (Rostrevor) Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 12 years old, Helen Edwards has used her life experience and training as a social worker to establish a suite of support tools and resources for thousands of Australians living with diabetes. Understanding how diabetes can engender anxiety and depression, Helen established an online counselling service to help others live fully with the disease. Gathering a team of healthcare professionals and volunteers, Helen provides online support for a range of groups. Despite being told she’d never have children, she is the mother of three sons and developed apps to help women with diabetes through their pregnancies. The author of an inspiring children’s book, Diabetes Can’t Stop Me, Helen has developed toys – Diabetes Dino and Diabetes Dragon – to be used as play therapy. An award winning blogger with a number of blogs on the go, Helen is passionate about helping all people live happier, healthier lives.

So thank you to everyone who chooses to share their lives with me in any way. For all the years you have shared your ups and downs with diabetes with our community, and your generosity in caring for each other. For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards visit australianoftheyear.org.au and wish me luck!

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Welcome to Diabetes Can’t Stop Me – a blog and community all about creating a happy healthy life with diabetes. I am Helen Edwards, Mama, person with type 1 diabetes, blogger, and PhD Candidate. I am also an interior decorator, stylist and designer.
Being all about health and happiness does not mean Diabetes Can’t Stop Me is all about ignoring the hard parts of diabetes, or the hard parts about life!
It is about sharing real stories, tips, ideas and inspiration; standing up for our rights, making sure people with diabetes are heard; and making connections. When you can see the whole picture, you see what is possible and you don’t let diabetes stop you living your life however you desire.